A new healthy eating programme is giving Hartlepool youngsters food for thought.

The initiative has been launched by a quartet of after-school play-schemes going by the names of Oscar, Orca, Nipas and Sizzlers.

Together, the playcentres cater for more than 120 children, aged between four and 16, providing activities including crafts, games and disco nights.

The healthy eating project has been set-up with the help of a £500 community dividend grant from the North Eastern Co-op.

It is designed to encourage youngsters to try healthy food and to ensure health and safety in the preparation of cooking.